Best Shad Fishing Topwater Lures of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Shad fishing topwater lures are a must-have for any angler looking to add some excitement to their fishing experience. These lures are designed to mimic the movements and appearance of shad, a popular baitfish that can be found in many bodies of water. They are typically made of high-quality materials such as wood or plastic and feature realistic colors and patterns that can fool even the most discerning fish. When used correctly, shad fishing topwater lures can attract a variety of game fish species including bass, pike, and musky. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, shad fishing topwater lures are sure to enhance your fishing game.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Cotton Cordell Crazy Shad Spinning Topwater Fishing Lure Cover #TOP 1
Cotton Cordell Crazy Shad Spinning Topwater Fishing Lure
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Berkley Choppo Topwater Lure Cover #TOP 2
Berkley Choppo Topwater Lure
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Heddon Spit'N Image Fleeing Shad Crankbait Fishing Lure Cover #TOP 3
Heddon Spit'N Image Fleeing Shad Crankbait Fishing Lure
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Shad Fishing Topwater Lures

#TOP 1

Cotton Cordell Crazy Shad Spinning Topwater Fishing Lure

C04562
Bluegill
3", 3/8 oz
Cotton Cordell Crazy Shad Spinning Topwater Fishing Lure Cover
Cotton Cordell Crazy Shad Spinning Topwater Fishing Lure, Freshwater Fishing Gear and Accessories, 3", 3/8 oz, Bluegill

The Cotton Cordell Crazy Shad is a classic topwater fishing lure with dual spinning blades that chop and roll the surface water, making it perfect for catching schooling fish. Its compact design increases hooksets, while its shorter profile allows for longer, more accurate casts. This 3-inch lure has a #4 hook size and is a great addition to any freshwater fishing gear and accessories collection.

What We Like
Dual spinning blades chop and roll surface water
Compact design increases hooksets
Shorter profile allows for longer, more accurate casts
#TOP 2

Berkley Choppo Topwater Lure

BHBCP90-PGH
MF Shad
105mm - 3/4 oz
Berkley Choppo Topwater Lure Cover
Berkley Choppo Topwater Fishing Lure, MF Shad, Size 105, Cupped Propeller Tail for Balance of Sound and Spray, Equipped with Sharp Fusion19™ Hook

The Berkley Choppo Lure is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, offering an easy-to-use design that creates exciting top-water action. Its cupped propeller tail is expertly crafted to produce the ideal mix of sound and spray, attracting fish effectively. You can enjoy straight tracking, as this lure swims smoothly at various speeds without rolling, ensuring consistent performance. With a range of colors and sizes available, you can easily match local forage, increasing your chances of a successful catch.

What We Like
Explosive top-water action
Ideal sound and spray balance
Straight and stable tracking
Variety of colors and sizes
Sharp Fusion19 hooks
#TOP 3

Heddon Spit'N Image Fleeing Shad Crankbait Fishing Lure

X9270DTS
Tennessee Shad
Heddon Spit'N Image Fleeing Shad Crankbait Fishing Lure Cover
Heddon Spit'N Image Fleeing Shad Crankbait Fishing Lure, 3 1/4 Inch, 7/16 Ounce, Tennessee Shad

The Heddon Spit'N Image Fleeing Shad Crankbait Fishing Lure is a topwater lure that mimics the movements of a fleeing shad. It features a unique walking action, moves from side to side when retrieved, and has a tail that sits low in the water when at rest. With dimensions of 3 1/4 inches and 7/16 ounces, it comes with a #4 treble hook and is perfect for catching fish that feed on shad.

What We Like
Mimics the movements of a fleeing shad perfectly
Unique walking action attracts fish easily
Low-tail design for realistic resting
#TOP 4

Heddon Zara Spook Topwater Lure

X9225GBSD
G-Finish Shad
3-Inch
Heddon Zara Spook Topwater Lure Cover
Heddon Zara Spook Topwater Fishing Lure - Legendary Walk-The-Dog Lure, G-Finish Shad, Zara Puppy (1/4 oz), 3-Inch

The Heddon Zara Spook is an exceptional topwater lure designed for the walk-the-dog fishing technique, which helps you attract fish on the water’s surface. Its unique action draws fish from long distances, resulting in thrilling strikes. Whether the fish are near the surface or suspended, this lure is effective in getting their attention. Additionally, the double hook design enhances your chances of securing a catch, making your fishing experience more successful. With dimensions of 3 inches and a weight of 1/4 oz, this lure is easy to handle and perfect for various fishing conditions.

What We Like
Effective walk-the-dog action
Attracts fish from distances
Double hook for secure catches
Lightweight and easy to use
#TOP 5

Yo-Zuri 3DB Prop Floating Lure

R1107 PGSH
Prism Ghost Shad
3 1/2-Inch
Yo-Zuri 3DB Prop Floating Lure Cover
Yo-Zuri 3DB Prop Floating Lure, Prism Ghost Shad, 3 1/2-Inch

Experience top water "commotion" action with Yo-Zuri 3DB Prop Floating Lure, a polycarbonate prop for lifelong use and unique sound, large airplane blades to displace more water, and round bend black nickel treble hooks. This 5/8 oz. lure is perfect for fishing topwater and is categorized as a Fishing Topwater Lure.

What We Like
Produces unique sound for attracting fish
Large blades to displace more water and create a commotion
Durable polycarbonate prop for lifelong use
#TOP 6

Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil Lure

R1100 PGSH
Prism Ghost Shad
4-Inch
Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil Lure Cover
Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil Floating Lure, Prism Ghost Shad, 4-Inch

The Yo-Zuri Pencil Lure offers an exciting topwater “walk-the-dog” action that brings fish to the surface, making your fishing experience more thrilling. You’ll appreciate the internal cadence rattle and noise BBs, which create enticing sounds that attract fish. This lure is designed to be easy to maneuver, allowing you to walk it effortlessly across the water. Additionally, it comes equipped with round bend black nickel treble hooks, ensuring a secure catch when a fish bites. With these features, you can enhance your fishing game and increase your chances of a successful catch.

What We Like
Effective topwater action
Attractive noise for fish
Easy to maneuver
Secure treble hooks
#TOP 7

Rapala Shad Rap 05 Fishing lure

SR05S
Silver
Rapala Shad Rap 05 Fishing lure Cover
Rapala Shad Rap 05 Fishing lure (Silver, Size- 2)

The Rapala Shad Rap 05 Fishing lure, also known as the Rapala Shad Rap Lure, is the world's best running hardbait. Hand-tuned and tank-tested at the factory, this lure features a balsa wood construction and a natural baitfish profile. Its legendary wounded minnow action makes it irresistible to fish. Whether you are casting or trolling, the Shad Rap is designed to be fished at ultra slow speeds to super fast speeds. This versatility allows you to adapt to different fishing conditions and target various species. With the Rapala Shad Rap Lure, you can experience the convenience of a high-quality fishing lure that delivers exceptional performance and increases your chances of a successful catch.

What We Like
World's best running hardbait
Balsa wood construction
Natural baitfish profile
#TOP 8

R1210-HGSH 3D Inshore Popper

R1210-HGSH
Ghost shad
2 3/4 Inch
R1210-HGSH 3D Inshore Popper Cover
Yo-Zuri R1210-HGSH 3D Inshore Popper, Color, Ghost Shad, 70mm 2-3/4"

The R1210-HGSH 3D Inshore Popper is a topwater fishing lure with an inner hologram sheet and 3D prism finish. Its sharp darting performance and quick response are thanks to its fixed weighted center. The lure also comes with a power treble hook.

What We Like
Sharp darting performance
Quick response
Power Treble hook
#TOP 9

Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Lure

HCKVDSD-699
699 - Natural Shad
5/8 oz
Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Lure Cover
Strike King (HCKVDSD-699) KVD Sexy Dawg Fishing Lure, 699 - Natural Shad, 5/8 oz, Premium Topwater Lure

The Strike King Sexy Dawg is a premium topwater fishing lure designed to enhance your fishing experience. Weighing in at 5/8 ounce, it offers excellent casting distance, allowing you to reach those hard-to-get spots. Its 4.5-inch length makes it an ideal size for attracting various fish species. The lure features free-floating rattles that create enticing sounds in the water, drawing fish to your line. With its realistic design, this lure mimics natural prey, increasing your chances of a successful catch.

What We Like
Effective for various fish
Lightweight for easy casting
Realistic design
Attractive sound with rattles
#TOP 10

Heddon One Knocker Spook Lure

XK9253434
Z-Shad
4 1/2-Inch
Heddon One Knocker Spook Lure Cover
Heddon One Knocker Spook Topwater Fishing Lure for Saltwater and Freshwater, 4 1/2 Inch, 3/4 Ounce, Z-Shad

The Heddon One Knocker Spook is designed to attract fish with its unique sound. It features a single tungsten rattle that creates a loud thumping noise with every twitch, making it effective for drawing fish from a distance. This lure's design makes it easy for you to perform the popular "walking the dog" technique, enhancing your fishing experience. Additionally, it boasts a robust hardware system, ensuring it can withstand the toughest fish. With its durability and sound, this lure is perfect for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.

What We Like
Unique loud thumping sound
Easy "walking the dog" action
Durable hardware system
Attracts fish from a distance
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best color for a topwater lure?

White is a great topwater color for almost every condition, but it's especially effective on cloudy days or in low-light conditions.” Black: “For whatever reason, Northern bass just love all-black topwater baits,” Yelas said. “If you fish up there a lot, it's definitely something you need to try.

2. What action is best for topwater?

Best all around - 7-foot medium heavy with a 7:1. Though one rod and reel can't do it all when it comes to topwater fishing, a 7-foot medium heavy power rod with a reel in the 7:1 gear ratio range can do the most.

Editor's Notes

During our shad fishing topwater lure research, we found 24 shad fishing topwater lure products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,015 customer reviews through our big data system to write the shad fishing topwater lures list. We found that most customers choose shad fishing topwater lures with an average price of $10.09.

The shad fishing topwater lures are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of shad fishing topwater lures, including Cotton Cordell, Berkley, Heddon, Yo-Zuri, Rapala. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 696 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.